5 places to visit this Dashain

&nbsp 2017-09-18 | nepaltraveller.com

Start the festive season with a break from the grind of city life

As the monsoon ends, a breath of fresh autumn air surrounds the valley before we embark on our greatest festival Dashain. The clear weather during this season makes it perfect to travel around Nepal and witness its true beauty.

Here’s a list of 5 places you could go to this Dashain to make it a memorable one.

1. Muktinath

It is believed that all miseries and sorrows are relieved once you visit this holy temple. This famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kilometers northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749meters. There are flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom Airport from where you can either trek or take a jeep to Muktinath, a journey which passes many scenic routes, archeological sites and temples.

2. Manakamana

It is often believed that Goddess Manakamana fulfills the wishes of ones who worship her with a pure heart. Nestled on a top of a hill, gazing the valleys of Trishuli to the south and Marshyangdi to the west this temple is a holy site to visit during Dashain. You can reach there by cable car along the highway right up to the temple in less than 10 minutes.

3. Gosaikunda

Gosainkunda is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal located in the Langtang region at an altitude of 4380m. It is also famous among Hindu pilgrims as the abode of the Hindu deities Shiva and Gauri. As lake remains frozen in winter, now is the perfect time to witness the grandeur of this place. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132 kilometers to the northeast of Kathmandu.

4. Lumbini

Home to the birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini is one of the most important spiritual sites in the world. Millions of people from around the world visit this pilgrimage every year. Lumbini is filled with international monasteries where you can study Buddhism, meditate along with the robed monks and visit Buddha’s birth place in the sacred Maya Devi garden. This holy place is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.

5. Namche Bazaar

It is the threshold to the Everest Region and is 214 kilometers from Kathmandu. The distance is generally covered within 3 days by trekking from Lukla airport. Nowhere else can you immerse yourself among the highest mountains on earth and travel among the legendary Sherpas. And now is the perfect time to experience this wonderful place.